Bijouterie and/or jewelry item

ABSTRACT

A bijouterie and/or jewelry item, comprises a hollow male part and a hollow female part interacting with each other, in which the male part comprises:
         a first ornamental part, having a first inner surface and a first outer ornamental surface,   a male coupling part, integral with said inner surface and having an outer coupling surface,       

     the female part comprises:
         a second ornamental part, comprising a second inner surface and a second outer ornamental surface,   a female coupling part, integral with said second inner surface and comprising an inner coupling surface shaped to interact with said outer coupling surface.

This application claims priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from Swiss patent application No. CH00513/21 filed on May 7, 2021 and French patent application No. FR2104838 filed on May 7, 2021. The disclosures of these Applications are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention is in the field of bijouterie and jewelry and relates to a bijouterie and/or jewelry item.

In the field of bijouterie and/or jewelry, in particular that of rings, it may be desired to arrange several rings next to each other on the same finger of a user, essentially for aesthetic purposes.

Indeed, thanks to this configuration, the general appearance of the bijouterie and/or jewelry item formed by the set of rings can be modified by changing the placing of one ring in relation to another, by modifying the number of rings, by rotating one or more rings in relation to the others, etc.

This makes it possible to create many possible combinations depending on the number of rings available.

The overall look of the bijouterie and/or jewelry item composed of the set of rings is therefore adaptable and interchangeable, and can be modified as desired.

However, it has been observed that when several rings are placed on the same finger, gaps can be created between the rings. These spaces degrade the general aesthetic aspect of the bijouterie and/or jewelry item.

Also, the rings tend to rotate on the finger, which can generate a feeling of discomfort for the user or prove to be unsightly. Indeed, when one of the rings is set with a stone or a paving only on a part of its circumference, for example, this stone or paving can be found inadvertently towards the inner of the fingers in case of unexpected rotation of the ring, and the stone or the paving are no longer directly visible when the bijouterie and/or jewelry item is worn.

In order to avoid the formation of a gap between the rings and to prevent the rings from turning in relation to each other, it is known to assemble the rings forming the bijouterie and/or jewelry item together.

This assembly is typically achieved by screwing one ring onto the other.

However, the presence of threads on the bijouterie/jewelry items is unsightly.

Moreover, the machining of such threads is difficult, due to their location on the bijouterie and/or jewelry items.

Also, the wear on the threads over time makes it difficult to assemble the various parts that make up the bijouterie and/or jewelry item.

The combinations of parts between them to form different items of bijouterie and/or jewelry are thus degraded.

These disadvantages are also encountered for all bijouterie and/or jewelry items made by assembling at least two bijouterie and/or jewelry items other than rings, in particular bracelets, pendants, earrings, necklaces or even watches.

The present invention is intended to overcome the above disadvantages, and, to do so, relates to a bijouterie and/or jewelry item, comprising a hollow male part and a hollow female part suitable for interacting with said male part, in which:

the male part comprises:

-   -   a first ornamental part, having a first inner surface and a         first outer ornamental surface,     -   a male coupling part, secured to the inner surface of the first         ornamental part and axially offset along a longitudinal axis of         the male part, said male coupling part having an outer coupling         surface,

the female part comprises:

-   -   a second ornamental part, having a second inner surface and a         second outer ornamental surface,     -   a female coupling part, secured to the inner surface of the         second ornamental part, comprising an inner coupling surface         intended to interact with the outer coupling surface of the male         coupling part,

wherein the outer coupling surface of the male coupling part is defined by a surface connecting:

-   -   a base, obtained by an ellipse defined by a half small axis A2         and by a half large axis A1, said base being contained in a         first plane P1, and     -   an apex, obtained by an ellipse defined by a half small axis B2         and by a half large axis B1, said apex being contained in a         second plane P2, axially shifted along the longitudinal axis of         the male part, towards the outside from the first ornamental         part of the male part,

the inner coupling surface of the female coupling part is defined by a surface connecting:

-   -   a base, obtained by an ellipse defined by a half small axis D2         and by a half large axis D1, said base being contained in a         third plane P3, and     -   an apex, obtained by an ellipse defined by a half small axis C2         and by a half large axis C1, said apex being contained in a         fourth plane P4, axially shifted along a longitudinal axis of         the female part, towards the outside from the second ornamental         part of the female part,

A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1 and D2 being chosen such that the following relationships are defined:

A1>A2, B1>B2, A1<B1 and A2=B2,

C1>C2, D1>D2, C2<D2 and C1=D1,

B1<C1, B2<C2, B1>D2 and A1>C2.

Thus, by providing for sizing the coupling parts in this way, the outer coupling surface of the male part is inserted into the inner coupling surface of the female part so that the half large axis B1 of the apex faces the half large axis of the apex. The outer coupling surface then enters the interior of the inner coupling surface, with B1 being strictly less than C1 and B2 being strictly less than C2. The male part can then be moved towards the female part until the first plane P1 is coincident with the fourth plane P4 and the second plane P2 is coincident with the third plane P3, and then the male part is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise on the female part. By making such a rotation, the outer coupling surface of the male part exerts a clamping force on the inner coupling surface of the female coupling part, B1 being strictly greater than D2 and A1 being strictly greater than C2. The male part is then clamped on the female part regardless of the direction of rotation, which eliminates the need to provide threads between the male and female parts forming the bijouterie and/or jewelry item.

The result is a bijouterie and/or jewelry item that is easy to design, aesthetically pleasing and has little deterioration over time.

According to optional features of the bijouterie and/or jewelry item according to the invention:

-   -   the outer coupling surface of the male coupling part and the         inner coupling surface of the female coupling part are smooth         and threadless;     -   the height of the outer coupling surface of the male coupling         part and the height of the inner coupling surface of the female         coupling part are sized to provide a snug fit between the base         of the outer coupling surface of the male coupling part and the         apex of the inner coupling surface of the female coupling part         when the male and female coupling parts are coupled;     -   the first ornamental part of the male part has a shoulder lying         in the plane P1 of the base of the outer coupling surface of the         male coupling part, said shoulder extending radially outward         from said outer coupling surface. The shoulder thus defines a         stop;     -   the second ornamental part of the female part comprises a         shoulder lying in the plane P3 of the base of the inner coupling         surface of the female coupling part, said shoulder extending         radially inwardly from said inner coupling surface;     -   the first ornamental part and the male coupling part are         concentric;     -   the second ornamental part and the female coupling part are         concentric; and     -   the male coupling part of the male part further comprises an         inner surface with a substantially circular cross section;     -   the male and female parts are rings.

Another subject-matter is a method of assembling a bijouterie and/or jewelry item defined according to the invention, remarkable in that it comprises the following steps, aiming to:

-   -   position the outer coupling surface of the male coupling part in         the inner coupling surface of the female coupling part, or vice         versa, so that the half large axis B1 is opposite the half large         axis C1, then     -   move the male part towards the female part, or vice versa, until         the first plane P1 coincides with the fourth plane P4 and the         second plane P2 coincides with the third plane P3, then     -   rotate the male part and the female part relatively about their         longitudinal axis.

Further features, purposes and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, for the understanding of which reference is made to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the bijouterie and/or jewelry item according to the invention, unassembled.

FIG. 2 is a view from above of the male part of the bijouterie and/or jewelry item of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view along line III-Ill of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view along line IV-IV of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a view from above of the outer coupling surface of the male coupling part of the male part of the bijouterie and/or jewelry item of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a view from above of the female part of the bijouterie and/or jewelry item of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a view from above of the inner coupling surface of the female coupling part of the female part of the bijouterie and/or jewelry item of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 illustrates the bijouterie and/or jewelry item of FIG. 1 in an isometric view, in the process of assembly.

FIG. 11 schematically depicts the inner and outer coupling surfaces of the bijouterie and/or jewelry item of FIG. 1 in view from above, being tightened.

In all the Figures, identical or similar references represent identical or similar members or sets of members.

In the description and in the claims, the terms “inner” and “outer” are to be considered relative to the longitudinal axis, with outer being radially distant from inner relative to the longitudinal axis.

Reference is made to FIG. 1, representing a bijouterie and/or jewelry item 1 according to the invention, in an isometric view and not yet assembled. In the remainder of the description, in order to simplify the terminology, the term “item” will refer indifferently to an item of jewelry or an item of jewelry or a bijouterie and/or jewelry item.

The set of Figures of the present description illustrates an item 1 obtained by rings, by way of non-limiting example. The present invention is also applicable to an item made of at least two items of bijouterie and/or jewelry other than rings, in particular bracelets, pendants, earrings, necklaces or even watches. Also, the present invention may also be applicable to any item in the industry, in particular the luxury industry, such as luggage, bags, clothing, accessories such as hats or belts, without limitation.

The item 1 comprises a hollow male part 3, defining a first ring, and a hollow female part 5, defining a second ring and being able and intended to interact with the male part 3 to form the item 1. In FIG. 1, the item 1 is shown in a not-yet-assembled position, that is, the male part does not interact with the female part.

The male part 3 comprises a first ornamental part 7 having a first inner surface (not visible in the Figures) and a first outer surface 9 facing the first inner surface. The first outer surface 9 is said to be ornamental, in that it constitutes a visible part of the item 1 when the item is worn by a user. For this purpose, the first ornamental outer surface 9 may be decorated with paving, one or more precious stones, etc.

The male part 3 includes a male coupling part 11 extending from an end 13 of the first ornamental part 7. The male coupling part is axially offset from the first ornamental part 7 along a longitudinal axis 15 of the male part. In one embodiment, the male coupling part 11 may be attached to the first inner surface of the first ornamental part 7, for example.

The male coupling part 11 includes an inner surface 17 and an outer coupling surface 19.

In one embodiment, the inner surface of the male coupling part 11 has a substantially circular cross-section, relative to the longitudinal axis 15, in order to conform to the shape of the finger of the user.

In one embodiment, the first ornamental part 7 and the male coupling part 11 are concentric.

As for the female part 5, it comprises a second ornamental part 21 comprising a second inner surface 23 and a second ornamental outer surface 25, facing the second inner surface 23. As with the first ornamental outer surface 9, the second ornamental outer surface 25 may be adorned with paving, one or more precious stones, etc. In one embodiment, the second inner surface 23 of the second ornamental part 21 has a substantially circular cross-section, relative to a longitudinal axis 27 of the female part 5, in order to match the shape of the finger of the user.

The female part 5 of the item 1 further comprises a female coupling part 29.

In one embodiment, the female coupling part 29 is attached to the second inner surface 23 of the second ornamental part 21.

The female coupling part 29 includes an inner coupling surface 31 for interaction with the outer coupling surface 19 of the male coupling part 11 of the male part 3.

In one embodiment, the second ornamental part 21 and the female coupling part 29 are concentric.

Reference is made to FIGS. 2 through 4 illustrating the male part 3, as viewed from above and from the side along line III-Ill and along line IV-IV of FIG. 2, respectively.

The outer coupling surface 19 of the male coupling part 11 has a base 33 contained in a first plane P1 and an apex 35 contained in a second plane P2. The first plane P1 and the second plane P2 are distinct, and the first plane P1 is closer to the first ornamental part than the second plane P2 along the longitudinal axis 15.

The outer coupling surface 19 of the male coupling part 11 is defined by a surface of revolution 37, connecting the base 33 and the apex 35.

Reference is made to FIG. 5, showing a view from above of the outer coupling surface 19 of the male coupling part 11 of the male part 3.

The base 33 is obtained by an ellipse 39 defined by a half large axis A1 and by a half small axis A2. Thus, A1 is strictly greater than A2.

The apex 35 is obtained by an ellipse 41 defined by a half large axis B1 and by a half small axis B2. Thus, B1 is strictly greater than B2.

Also, A1, A2, B1 and B2 are chosen so that A1 is strictly less than B1 and A2 is equal to B2.

Thus, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the outer coupling surface 19 of the male coupling part 11 comprises a first area 38 of substantially circular longitudinal cross-section and a second area 40 of substantially frustoconical longitudinal cross-section offset by approximately 90° from the first area 38 of substantially circular longitudinal cross-section. The second zone 40 of substantially frustoconical longitudinal section extends from the first ornamental part 7, so as to move away from the longitudinal axis 15.

Reference is made to FIGS. 6 to 8, illustrating the female part 5, seen from above, and in section along lines VII-VII and VIII-VIII of FIG. 6, respectively.

The inner coupling surface 31 of the female coupling part 29 has a base 43 contained in a third plane P3 and an apex 45 contained in a fourth plane P4, the third plane P3 and the fourth plane P4 being distinct and the third plane P3 being closer to the second ornamental part than the fourth plane P4 along the longitudinal axis 27.

The inner coupling surface 31 of the female coupling part 29 is defined by a surface of revolution 47, connecting the base 43 and the apex 45.

Reference is made to FIG. 9 showing a view from above of the inner coupling surface 31 of the female coupling part 29 of the female part 5.

The base 43 is obtained by an ellipse 49 defined by a half large axis D1 and by a half small axis D2. Thus, D1 is strictly greater than D2.

The apex 45 is obtained by an ellipse 51 defined by a half large axis C1 and by a half small axis C2. Thus, C1 is strictly greater than C2.

Also, C1, C2, D1 and D2 are chosen so that C2 is strictly less than D2 and C1 is equal to D1.

Thus, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the inner coupling surface 31 of the female coupling part 29 includes a first zone 53 of substantially frustoconical longitudinal cross-section and a second zone 55 of substantially circular longitudinal cross-section offset by approximately 90° from the first zone 53 of substantially frustoconical longitudinal cross-section. The first zone 53 of substantially frustoconical longitudinal section extends, from the second ornamental part 21, so as to approach the longitudinal axis 27.

According to another feature of the invention, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1, D2 are selected such that B1 is strictly less than C1, B2 is strictly less than C2, B1 is strictly greater than D2 and A1 is strictly greater than C2.

Reference is made to FIGS. 10 and 11, illustrating the item 1 in isometric view, during assembly, and the item 1 during clamping, respectively.

In order to form the item 1, the assembly of the male part 3 with the female part 5 is obtained as follows.

The outer coupling surface 19 is inserted into the inner coupling surface 31 so that the half large axis B1 of the apex 35 is opposite the half large axis C1 of the apex 45. In other words, the first zone 40 of frustoconical longitudinal section is inserted opposite the second zone 55 of circular longitudinal section.

With B1 being strictly less than C1 and B2 being strictly less than C2, the outer coupling surface 19 penetrates inside of the inner coupling surface 31.

The male part 3 is then moved towards the female part 5 until the first plane P1 is coincident with the fourth plane P4 and the second plane P2 is coincident with the third plane P3, and then the male part is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise on the female part.

By performing such a rotation, the outer coupling surface 19 of the male part exerts a clamping force on the inner coupling surface 31 of the female coupling part, with B1 being strictly greater than D2 and A1 being strictly greater than C2.

The male part is then clamped to the female part regardless of the direction of rotation, which eliminates the need to provide threads between the male and female parts forming the item 1.

By way of example, clamping is effective when the male coupling part 11 has rotated from about 20° to about 30° on the female coupling part 29.

According to a feature of the invention, the outer coupling surface 19 of the male coupling part and the inner coupling surface 31 of the female coupling part are smooth and threadless.

According to a further advantageous arrangement of the invention, the dimension-of the outer coupling surface 19 of the male coupling part along the longitudinal axis and the dimension of the inner coupling surface 31 of the female coupling part along the longitudinal axis are dimensioned to provide a snug fit between the base 33 of the outer coupling surface 19 of the male coupling part and the apex 45 of the inner coupling surface 31 of the female coupling part when the male and female coupling parts are coupled.

According to another feature of the invention, the first ornamental part 7 of the male part 3 has a shoulder 57 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3) lying in the plane P1 of the base 33 of the outer coupling surface 19 of the male coupling part 11.

The shoulder 57 extends radially outward from the outer coupling surface 19. This defines a contact stop between the plane P1 of the male part 3 and the plane P4 of the female part 5 when the outer coupling surface 19 interacts with the inner coupling surface 31.

Similarly, the second ornamental part 21 of the female part 5 includes a shoulder 59 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 7) falling within the plane P3 of the base 43 of the inner coupling surface 31 of the female coupling part 29.

The shoulder 59 extends radially inwardly from the inner coupling surface 31. This defines a contact stop between the plane P2 of the male part 3 and the plane P3 of the female part 5 when the outer coupling surface 19 interacts with the inner coupling surface 31.

As is obvious, the present invention is not limited solely to the embodiments of this bijouterie and/or jewelry item or of this assembly method, described above solely as illustrative examples, but, on the contrary, encompasses all variants involving the technical equivalents of the means described, as well as combinations thereof if they fall within the scope of the invention. 

1. A bijouterie and/or jewelry item, comprising a-male part and a hollow female part (5) capable of interacting with said male part, wherein: the male part comprises: a first ornamental part, having a first inner surface and a first outer ornamental surface, a male coupling part, secured to the inner surface of the first ornamental part and axially offset along a longitudinal axis of the male part, said male coupling part comprising an outer coupling surface, the female part comprises: a second ornamental part, comprising a second inner surface and a second outer ornamental surface, a female coupling part, secured to the second inner surface of the second ornamental part, comprising an inner coupling surface configured to interact with the outer coupling surface of the male coupling part of the male part, said bijouterie and/or jewelry wherein: the outer coupling surface of the male coupling part is defined by a surface connecting: a base, obtained by an ellipse defined by a half small axis A2 and by a half large axis A1, said base being contained in a first plane P1, and an apex, obtained by an ellipse defined by a half small axis B2 and by a half large axis B1, said apex being contained in a second plane P2, axially shifted along the longitudinal axis of the male part, outwards from the first ornamental part of the male part (3), the inner coupling surface of the female coupling part is defined by a surface, connecting: a base, obtained by an ellipse defined by a half small axis D2 and by a half large axis D1, said base being contained in a third plane P3, and an apex, obtained by an ellipse defined by a half small axis C2 and by a half large axis C1, said apex being contained in a fourth plane P4 axially shifted along a longitudinal axis of the female part, towards the outside from the second ornamental part of the female part, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1 and D2 being selected such that the following relationships are defined: A1>A2, B1>B2, A1<B1 and A2=B2, C1>C2, D1>D2, C2<D2 and C1=D1, B1<C1, B2<C2, B1>D2 and A1>C2.
 2. The item according to claim 1, wherein the outer coupling surface of the male coupling part and the inner coupling surface of the female coupling part are smooth and threadless.
 3. The item according to claim 1, wherein the height of the outer coupling surface of the male coupling part and the height of the inner coupling surface of the female coupling part are sized to provide a snug fit between the base of the outer coupling surface of the male coupling part and the top of the inner coupling surface of the female coupling part when the male part and the female part are coupled.
 4. The item according to claim 1, wherein the first ornamental part of the male part has a shoulder lying in the plane P1 of the base of the outer coupling surface of the male coupling part, said shoulder extending radially outward from said outer coupling surface.
 5. The item according to claim 1, wherein the second ornamental part of the female part has a shoulder lying in the plane P3 of the base of the inner coupling surface of the female coupling part, said shoulder extending radially inward from said inner coupling surface.
 6. The item according to claim 1, wherein the first ornamental part and the male coupling part are concentric.
 7. The item according to claim 1, wherein the second ornamental part and the female coupling part are concentric.
 8. The item according to claim 1, wherein the male coupling part of the male part is hollow and has an inner surface of circular cross-section.
 9. The item according to claim 8, wherein the male and female parts are rings.
 10. A method of assembling a jewelry and/or jewelry item according to claim 1, comprising the steps: position the outer coupling surface of the male coupling part in the inner coupling surface of the female coupling part, or vice versa, so that the half large axis B1 is opposite the half large axis C1, then move the male part towards the female part, or vice versa, until the first plane P1 coincides with the fourth plane P4 and the second plane P2 coincides with the third plane P3, then rotate the male part and the female part around their longitudinal axis. 